BRUSSELS, 03 September 2020 /PRNewswire Policy/ — Today, the Commission presents an Action Plan on Critical Raw Materials, the 2020 List of Critical Raw Materials and a foresight study on critical raw materials for strategic technologies and sectors from the 2030 and 2050 perspectives. The Action Plan looks at the current and future challenges and proposes actions to reduce Europe’s dependency on third countries, diversifying supply from both primary and secondary sources and improving resource efficiency and circularity while promoting responsible sourcing worldwide. The actions will foster our transition towards a green and digital economy, and at the same time, bolster Europe’s resilience and open strategic autonomy in key technologies needed for such transition. The List of Critical Raw Materials has been updated to reflect the changed economic importance and supply challenges based on their industrial application. It contains 30 critical raw materials. Lithium, which is essential for a shift to e-mobility, has been added to the list for the first time.

Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-President for Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight said:

» A secure and sustainable supply of raw materials is a prerequisite for a resilient economy. For e-car batteries and energy storage alone, Europe will for instance need up to 18 times more lithium by 2030 and up to 60 times more by 2050. As our foresight shows, we cannot allow to replace current reliance on fossil fuels with dependency on critical raw materials. This has been magnified by the coronavirus disruptions in our strategic value chains. We will therefore build a strong alliance to collectively shift from high dependency to diversified, sustainable and socially-responsible sourcing, circularity and innovation».

Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal Market said: «A number of raw materials are essential for Europe to lead the green and digital transition and remain the world’s first industrial continent. We cannot afford to rely entirely on third countries – for some rare earths even on just one country. By diversifying the supply from third countries and developing the EU’s own capacity for extraction, processing, recycling, refining and separation of rare earths, we can become more resilient and sustainable. Implementing the actions that we propose today will require a concerted effort by industry, civil society, regions and Member States. We encourage the latter to include investments into critical raw materials into their national recovery plans.»

The Action Plan on Critical Raw Materials is aimed to:

develop resilient value chains for EU industrial ecosystems;

reduce dependency on primary critical raw materials through circular use of re-sources, sustainable products and innovation;

strengthen domestic sourcing of raw materials in the EU;

diversify sourcing from third countries and remove distortions to international trade, fully respecting the EU’s international obligations.

To achieve these objectives, today’s Communication outlines ten concrete actions. First, the Commission will in the coming weeks establish a European Raw Materials Alliance. By bringing together all relevant stakeholders, the alliance will primarily focus on the most pressing needs, namely to increase EU resilience in the rare earth and magnet value chains, as this is vital to most of EU industrial ecosystems, such as renewable energy, defence and space. Later, the alliance could expand to address other critical raw material and base metal needs over time.

To make better use of domestic resources, the Commission will work with Member States and regions to identify mining and processing projects in the EU that can be operational by 2025. A special focus will be on coal-mining regions and other regions in transition, with special attention to expertise and skills relevant for mining, extraction and processing of raw materials.

The Commission will promote the use of its earth-observation programme Copernicus to improve resource exploration, operations and post-closure environmental management. At the same time, Horizon Europe will support research and innovation, especially on new mining and processing technologies, substitution and recycling.

In line with the European Green Deal, other actions will address the circularity and sustainability of the raw materials value chain. The Commission will therefore develop sustainable financing criteria for the mining and extractive sectors by the end of 2021. It will also map the potential of secondary critical raw materials from EU stocks and wastes to identify viable recovery projects by 2022.

The Commission will develop strategic international partnerships to secure the supply of critical raw materials not found in Europe. Pilot partnerships with Canada, interested countries in Africa and the EU’s neighbourhood will start as of 2021. In these and other fora of international cooperation, the Commission will promote sustainable and responsible mining practices and transparency.

Background

The secure supply of raw materials for the EU’s industry is a long-standing issue. The EU has sought ways to address it, from the establishment of the Raw Materials Supply Group in the 1970s to the launch of the Raw Materials Initiative in 2008. This initiative set out a strategy for reducing dependencies for non-energy raw materials for industrial value chains and societal well-being by diversifying sources of primary raw materials from third countries, strengthening domestic sourcing and supporting the supply of secondary raw materials through resource efficiency and circularity.

The European Green Deal and the new EU Industrial Strategy acknowledge that access to resources is a strategic security question for making the green and digital transformations a success. Currently, the coronavirus crisis is leading many parts of the world to look critically at how they organise their supply chains, especially where public safety or strategic sectors are concerned. The Commission’s proposed recovery plan puts an emphasis on building back greener, more digital and more resilient. Therefore, Europe should strive to develop open strategic autonomy and diversify raw materials supply.

More information

Critical Raw Materials Resilience: Charting a Path towards greater Security and Sustainability

Critical materials for strategic technologies and sectors in the EU – A foresight study

Questions and Answers on the Communication on Critical Raw Materials

Factsheet on the Action Plan on Critical Raw Materials

European Green Deal

European Industrial Strategy

DG GROW’s Critical raw materials webpage

JRC’s Raw Materials Information System website

Copyright European Union, 1995-2020

SOURCE European Commission

BRUSSELS, 03 September 2020 /PRNewswire Policy/ — Today, the Commission presents an Action Plan on Critical Raw Materials, the 2020 List of Critical Raw Materials and a foresight study on critical raw materials for strategic technologies and sectors from the 2030 and 2050 perspectives. The Action Plan looks at the current and future challenges and proposes actions to reduce Europe’s dependency on third countries, diversifying supply from both primary and secondary sources and improving resource efficiency and circularity while promoting responsible sourcing worldwide. The actions will foster our transition towards a green and digital economy, and at the same time, bolster Europe’s resilience and open strategic autonomy in key technologies needed for such transition. The List of Critical Raw Materials has been updated to reflect the changed economic importance and supply challenges based on their industrial application. It contains 30 critical raw materials. Lithium, which is essential for a shift to e-mobility, has been added to the list for the first time.

Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-President for Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight said:

» A secure and sustainable supply of raw materials is a prerequisite for a resilient economy. For e-car batteries and energy storage alone, Europe will for instance need up to 18 times more lithium by 2030 and up to 60 times more by 2050. As our foresight shows, we cannot allow to replace current reliance on fossil fuels with dependency on critical raw materials. This has been magnified by the coronavirus disruptions in our strategic value chains. We will therefore build a strong alliance to collectively shift from high dependency to diversified, sustainable and socially-responsible sourcing, circularity and innovation».

Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal Market said: «A number of raw materials are essential for Europe to lead the green and digital transition and remain the world’s first industrial continent. We cannot afford to rely entirely on third countries – for some rare earths even on just one country. By diversifying the supply from third countries and developing the EU’s own capacity for extraction, processing, recycling, refining and separation of rare earths, we can become more resilient and sustainable. Implementing the actions that we propose today will require a concerted effort by industry, civil society, regions and Member States. We encourage the latter to include investments into critical raw materials into their national recovery plans.»

The Action Plan on Critical Raw Materials is aimed to:

develop resilient value chains for EU industrial ecosystems;

reduce dependency on primary critical raw materials through circular use of re-sources, sustainable products and innovation;

strengthen domestic sourcing of raw materials in the EU;

diversify sourcing from third countries and remove distortions to international trade, fully respecting the EU’s international obligations.

To achieve these objectives, today’s Communication outlines ten concrete actions. First, the Commission will in the coming weeks establish a European Raw Materials Alliance. By bringing together all relevant stakeholders, the alliance will primarily focus on the most pressing needs, namely to increase EU resilience in the rare earth and magnet value chains, as this is vital to most of EU industrial ecosystems, such as renewable energy, defence and space. Later, the alliance could expand to address other critical raw material and base metal needs over time.

To make better use of domestic resources, the Commission will work with Member States and regions to identify mining and processing projects in the EU that can be operational by 2025. A special focus will be on coal-mining regions and other regions in transition, with special attention to expertise and skills relevant for mining, extraction and processing of raw materials.

The Commission will promote the use of its earth-observation programme Copernicus to improve resource exploration, operations and post-closure environmental management. At the same time, Horizon Europe will support research and innovation, especially on new mining and processing technologies, substitution and recycling.

In line with the European Green Deal, other actions will address the circularity and sustainability of the raw materials value chain. The Commission will therefore develop sustainable financing criteria for the mining and extractive sectors by the end of 2021. It will also map the potential of secondary critical raw materials from EU stocks and wastes to identify viable recovery projects by 2022.

The Commission will develop strategic international partnerships to secure the supply of critical raw materials not found in Europe. Pilot partnerships with Canada, interested countries in Africa and the EU’s neighbourhood will start as of 2021. In these and other fora of international cooperation, the Commission will promote sustainable and responsible mining practices and transparency.

Background

The secure supply of raw materials for the EU’s industry is a long-standing issue. The EU has sought ways to address it, from the establishment of the Raw Materials Supply Group in the 1970s to the launch of the Raw Materials Initiative in 2008. This initiative set out a strategy for reducing dependencies for non-energy raw materials for industrial value chains and societal well-being by diversifying sources of primary raw materials from third countries, strengthening domestic sourcing and supporting the supply of secondary raw materials through resource efficiency and circularity.

The European Green Deal and the new EU Industrial Strategy acknowledge that access to resources is a strategic security question for making the green and digital transformations a success. Currently, the coronavirus crisis is leading many parts of the world to look critically at how they organise their supply chains, especially where public safety or strategic sectors are concerned. The Commission’s proposed recovery plan puts an emphasis on building back greener, more digital and more resilient. Therefore, Europe should strive to develop open strategic autonomy and diversify raw materials supply.

More information

Critical Raw Materials Resilience: Charting a Path towards greater Security and Sustainability

Critical materials for strategic technologies and sectors in the EU – A foresight study

Questions and Answers on the Communication on Critical Raw Materials

Factsheet on the Action Plan on Critical Raw Materials

European Green Deal

European Industrial Strategy

DG GROW’s Critical raw materials webpage

JRC’s Raw Materials Information System website

Copyright European Union, 1995-2020

SOURCE European Commission

MONTICELLO, N.Y., Sept. 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Resorts World Catskills (RWC) will welcome back guests on Wednesday, September 9^th at 10:00am, the company announced today. Resorts World Catskills will implement and execute their 21 Point Safety Plan and adhere to the State’s guidelines to ensure a safe reopening.

«The Resorts World team has been anxiously awaiting the day when we can open our doors again to the fun and excitement that our casinos are known for,» said Bob DeSalvio, President of Genting Americas East. «We have implemented a plan to seamlessly integrate the unmatched experiences in excitement, entertainment and luxury that guests have come to expect, with the more stringent health protocols that are needed to operate safely. We are excited to play our part in Moving New York Forward.»

As part of the first phase of reopening, guests will be able to enjoy 100,000 square feet of gaming action, including 150 live Las-Vegas style table games- with plexiglass dividers-, and state-of-the art slot machines. Four of the resort’s restaurants and bars will open as well. In addition, Resorts World Catskills will unveil a series of new marketing initiatives over the coming weeks, including the Community Partners Program creating more value for the Genting Rewards Loyalty Card program and enhancing support to the local businesses in area.

Darlene Monzo, Chief Marketing Officer Resorts World Catskills and Resorts World New York City, said «We’re ready to hit the ground running on September 9th and implement the marketing and growth strategies that will fulfill the untapped potential of Resorts World Catskills. We know there is pent up demand for the world-class gaming and entertainment that we offer, which is just 90 minutes from New York City. We’re ready to capitalize on that demand and execute the plan that will make Resorts World Catskills the region’s leader in hospitality, entertainment and full service gaming.»

Resort World Catskill’s 21-point Safety plan, which is being implemented in accordance with recommendations from the CDC, New York State and local health officials, includes:

• Upon arrival, Resorts World’s staff will conduct noninvasive temperature checks using thermal scanners. Guests or team members with a temperature above 100.4 will not be permitted entry
• All guests and team members will be required to wear face masks while on property
• Plexiglass dividers have been installed on all table games, and select slot machines
• The HVAC filters have been upgraded to MERV 15 filters, and it’s important to note, the HVAC system does not re-circulate air, meaning the facility has 100% fresh air.
• Over 200 Sanitizing stations equipped with hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes will be located on the casino floor and throughout the property
• New technologies have been implemented including density counters, no touch ID scanners, and ultrasonic chip cleaners.
• RWC’s Clean Team will be regularly deployed to high-touch areas for cleaning and disinfecting
• Guests will be expected to practice social distancing by staying six feet apart from others outside of their party
• Signage, markers and indicators, along with plexiglass barriers, where appropriate, will be located throughout the property

Scott Molina, President, Resorts World Catskills and Resorts World Casino New York City, added, «While the casino floor may look a little different, all of these changes are part of our 21-point plan, created with your health and safety in mind. Regulating capacity on the casino floor will allow for easier social distancing, and sanitation stations will make it easy for you to wipe down table games and other common areas before touching them. Once we are back open, we will constantly be evaluating the situation in order to gauge when we can return our full suite of amenities to our valued guests.»

In addition, team members will receive training on safety and sanitation protocols to further ensure guest and team member safety.

«I want to thank the administration for working with my office to find a path forward for the reopening of casino,» said New York State Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther.  «Resorts World Catskills employs more than one thousand people in Sullivan County and is a tremendous driver of economic development.  Resorts World has been preparing for this day and is fully capable of hitting the ground running.  Our union brothers and sisters deserve a safe environment in which to return to work. I’ll continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure that safety remains a priority. As a nurse, after touring Resorts World, I am confident of the procedures they put in place.

«Resorts World Catskills is vital to the economy of Sullivan County as a top employer and critical source of tax revenue for the Town of Thompson and Sullivan County government in this challenging time, and I’ve been advocating for many weeks now to enable the casino to safely open,» said New York State Senator Jen Metzger (SD-42). «I’ve personally toured the facility twice with government officials, and have been extremely impressed by the lengths to which Resorts World has gone to create a safe environment for guests and team members during this pandemic. I am confident that the casino has taken, and will continue to take, every precaution for the health and safety of guests and employees.» 

About Resorts World Catskills
Located in the heart of New York’s Catskill region, Resorts World Catskills Casino Resort offers guests unmatched experiences in excitement, entertainment, and luxury. The integrated casino resort includes an 18-story all-suite hotel, and a casino featuring 100,000 square feet of gaming action including 150 live Las-Vegas style table games, 1,600 state-of-the art slot machines, a poker room, private gaming salons and a 100-seat sportsbook lounge. The casino resort also offers 10 varied bar and restaurant experiences, which includes an Italian steakhouse created by celebrity chef Scott Conant, and year-round live entertainment at the 2,500-seat RW Epicenter, casino bars and lounges. The luxurious hotel located within Resorts World Catskills is comprised of 332 suites, the Crystal Life Spa, two indoor pools, and two fitness centers. The integrated casino resort also includes additional stay and play destinations on its campus, including The Alder, an adjacent 101-room lifestyle hotel featuring the first Topgolf Swing Suites in New York State, and Dos Gatos, a cantina-style Mexican eatery and the recently opened Kartrite Resort and Indoor Waterpark, and will be expanded to include a Rees Jones redesigned golf course.

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SOURCE Resorts World Catskills